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Skriven 2006-11-11 23:31:18 av Whitehouse Press (1:3634/12.0)
Ärende: Press Release (061111) for Sat, 2006 Nov 11
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President's Radio Address
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For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
November 11, 2006

President's Radio Address


ÿÿÿÿÿ Audio ÿÿÿÿÿ In Focus: Veterans ÿÿÿÿÿ In Focus: National Security
ÿÿÿÿÿ

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. This weekend we commemorate Veterans Day, a
day when America honors every man and woman who has worn the uniform of our
military. In Veterans Day celebrations across our Nation, we remember those
who have served in previous wars, those who are serving today, and those
who did not live to become veterans. Especially in a time of war, we see in
our veterans an example of people who stepped forward to serve a cause
larger than themselves. This weekend, I ask you to take a moment to thank
our veterans for their service, and express your appreciation for the
sacrifices they have made to preserve our freedom and way of life.

ÿRadio Address
  þ 2006
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ÿRadio Interviews
  þ 2005
  þ 2004
One freedom that defines our way of life is the freedom to choose our
leaders at the ballot box. We saw that freedom earlier this week, when
millions of Americans went to the polls to cast their votes for a new
Congress. Whatever your opinion of the outcome, all Americans can take
pride in the example our democracy sets for the world by holding elections
even in a time of war. Our democratic institutions are a source of
strength, and our trust in these institutions has made America the most
powerful, prosperous, and stable nation in the world.

As a result of this week's elections, the Democrats now hold a majority in
both Houses of Congress. After the elections, I called the Democratic
leaders in the House and the Senate to congratulate them on the victory
they achieved for their party. On Thursday, I had lunch with Congresswoman
Pelosi and Congressman Hoyer, and on Friday I met with Senators Reid and
Durbin. We had good discussions. I told them what I have told the men and
women in my administration: We must put these elections behind us, and work
together on the great issues facing America.

The elections will bring changes to Washington. But one thing has not
changed: America faces brutal enemies who have attacked us before and want
to attack us again. I have a message for these enemies: Do not confuse the
workings of American democracy with a lack of American will. Our Nation is
committed to bringing you to justice, and we will prevail.

Iraq is the central front in this war on terror. I look forward to
listening to ideas from the new leaders of Congress on the best way to
support our troops on the front lines -- and win the war on terror. I also
look forward to hearing recommendations on the way forward in Iraq from a
bipartisan panel led by former Secretary of State James Baker and former
Congressman Lee Hamilton.

In the meantime, I have made an important change to my national security
team. On Wednesday, I accepted Don Rumsfeld's resignation as Secretary of
Defense, and announced my intent to nominate Bob Gates to replace him. Bob
is a proven leader who has served six Presidents -- four Republicans and
two Democrats. As a former CIA Director and the current President of Texas
A_

Bob replaces the longest serving member of my Cabinet, Don Rumsfeld.
History will record that on Secretary Rumsfeld's watch, the men and women
of our military overthrew two terrorist regimes, brought justice to scores
of senior al Qaeda operatives, and helped stop new terrorist attacks on our
people. America is safer, and the world is more secure because of the
leadership of Don Rumsfeld, and I am deeply grateful for his service.

The message of this week's elections is clear: the American people want
their leaders in Washington to set aside partisan differences, conduct
ourselves in an ethical manner, and work together to address the challenges
facing our Nation. This is important work that will demand the hard effort
and good faith of leaders from both sides of the aisle, and I pledge to do
my part.

Thank you for listening.



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